MANSFIELD - Retired Mansfield City Schools educator Doug Castle's brain surgery was successful as surgeons removed the tumor at The James Center Hospital in Columbus, his family said Friday evening.

Earlier, Liz Castle said her husband had been diagnosed with a malignant tumor that measures 2.5 by 3.5 centimeters on his left front temporal lobe.

The family posted on Facebook that Doug Castle will be in recovery soon.

"The tumor is called a glioma, which is a type of brain cancer — but we know nothing more until more testing is done over the next two weeks," the family said. "He will need radiation and chemotherapy. This is all we know and because he is so loved by so many of you, we wanted to share it," the family said.

"We want to thank everyone for all of the support - prayers, good vibes and love that has been sent out way. He will be in the hospital for the next few days. It will be a while before we know whether he can have visitors while here," the family said. "We will keep you updated. Thank you."

After 35 years in education, 21 of those years spent at the John Simpson Middle School on West Fourth Street, he retired July 31, 2000.

His career in education began in the Mansfield City Schools in 1965. While he served as a teacher and administrator, he also took an active role in sports. He served as director of the Mehock Relays for 20 years and director of the J.C. Gorman Invitational wrestling meet, along with coaching track, cross country, basketball and football at Senior High and John Simpson.

In 2006, Castle was hired by OSU head coach Jim Tressel to work with the Buckeyes as an "academic encourager."

Castle has had an outpouring of support from former students and more on Facebook in the past week.